The power of noticing the “Last time I…”
As I reflect on my creative journey as an artist and parent, I’ve come to realize how deeply the practice of noticing has shaped both my art and my everyday life. Whether it's the last time I cycle through familiar streets, share a moment with my son, or paint in my home studio, embracing this “last time” mentality has transformed my ability to appreciate the world around me.
The Last Day in Munich
Recently, my family moved from Munich, Germany, to Washington State. The process of moving stirred up many emotions, but one day in particular stands out. On my last day in Germany, as I rode my bike to drop my son off at daycare, it hit me—this would be the last time I rode through these streets in the morning. Suddenly, I felt like I was part of the trees leaves, the sunlight felt warmer, and I was completely present in the moment. That sense of “this could be the last time” has always been part of my life, having lived in six different countries. It heightens my awareness and appreciation, turning ordinary moments into something deeply significant.
I felt this same heightened awareness on our final weekend in Munich, biking along the Isar River with its tree-lined paths and beautiful old churches ringing their bells. The sun cast golden light on the shiny sculptures, and I knew this moment was special—something I might not experience again for a long time. I carried this awareness into my creative practice, especially during the last painting session I shared with my friends, Eli and Aileen. Knowing it might be a while (or never again…)before we paint together again, I cherished every brushstroke and every laugh, appreciating our time together.
Noticing in Everyday Life
Noticing isn’t just about observing the world around us—it’s about deeply appreciating it. Julia Cameron, in her famous book The Artist's Way, speaks of the importance of paying attention. For artists, noticing is part of the creative process. The simple act of truly seeing the world, in all its beauty and complexity, shapes how we express ourselves on the canvas.
But noticing isn’t always easy. Life gets busy, routines take over, and sometimes we overlook the small wonders in front of us. As I transitioned between countries, I paused my painting practice to spend more time with my son. Without the regular painting practice, I began to notice other things, like how his tiny hands carefully guide a toy train across the tracks, or how we discovered hidden blackberries on a path that nobody walks and fast cars driving past. These simple moments brought me such joy and grounded me in the present, reminding me that creativity isn’t limited to the studio. It’s in the everyday moments, too.
Bringing Noticing into Parenting and Art
As parents and artists, noticing can enrich both our relationships and our creative practice. I’ve found that the more I pay attention to the small, everyday moments—like the joy in my son’s eyes when I pick him up from daycare or the way autumn leaves scatter across the sidewalk—the more these moments feed into my art.
I invite you to think about what you’re noticing in your own life. Whether it’s the color palette of an advertisement on your morning commute or the light filtering through the trees in your neighborhood, these small moments can inspire creativity and deepen your connection to the world around you.
What moment in your process has made you aware of the beauty around you? What small moment with your child recently filled your heart with joy? By taking the time to notice, we enrich both our art and our lives, finding meaning and beauty in the most unexpected places.
Notice, and many things will open up.
